I am test driving a 2001 Dodge Diesel 4x4 with a 5 speed.It had the 3:55 rear end and 71,000 miles. The truck is in good shape but I have noticed it is getting terrible fuel mileage. Is the fuel mileage just not that great in a 4x4 diesel or could this indicate a problem?
Posted 2006-08-22 8:17 PM (#47169 - in reply to #47167) Subject: RE: Dodge Diesel Terrible Fuel Mileage
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Posts: 2689
Originally written by CRK on 2006-08-22 8:09 PM
I am test driving a 2001 Dodge Diesel 4x4 with a 5 speed.It had the 3:55 rear end and 71,000 miles. The truck is in good shape but I have noticed it is getting terrible fuel mileage. Is the fuel mileage just not that great in a 4x4 diesel or could this indicate a problem?
HOW terrible ?
...and have you been heading west on I-80 towards Laramie and ROck SPrings on these test runs ?
i.e. up hill and into the winds (-:
I would hope for better than 17 MPG unloaded (no trailer).
But,,, if you're used to a gas engine - and if you're trying to get gas engine performance out of it, it could be a serious drinker.
Posted 2006-08-23 8:12 AM (#47188 - in reply to #47167) Subject: RE: Dodge Diesel Terrible Fuel Mileage
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Posts: 131 Location: Cheyenne, WY
I was empty headed east out of Cheyenne. The dealer let me take it for a few days. I live about 14 miles out so I would guess the fuel mileage to be about 5 to 6. I put some fuel in it and the guage was just over half full. When I got home it read just below a half tank. Granted these are big tanks but should it use that much not pulling?
I 'm asking because I don't want to spend a lot for a truck that has problems.
Posted 2006-08-23 8:22 AM (#47191 - in reply to #47167) Subject: RE: Dodge Diesel Terrible Fuel Mileage
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Posts: 500 Location: West TN
Sounds like the only way to get a true measurement is to fill up the tank and then run the miles and go back to fill it back up to see how many gallons you are using. This is the best way to learn what kind of mileage you are getting. Of course, it is a fun event to throw away all that money in diesel, but it is better to find out now until waiting till later and getting stuck with a bad engine.
Posted 2006-08-23 8:35 AM (#47192 - in reply to #47167) Subject: RE: Dodge Diesel Terrible Fuel Mileage
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Posts: 247 Location: La Crosse, WI - God's Country
That sounds pretty bad - I could pull my 4H LQ trailer with my dodge at 85 and still get 10mpg...
As long as you're not driving it with a major lead foot, I can't imagine getting that bad of mileage. Sounds like something's going on - those trucks usually did quite well. If you're asking questions about the Cummins, there's no better place than http://www.tdr1.com - some folks there may have some answers for you.
Posted 2006-08-23 9:24 AM (#47206 - in reply to #47167) Subject: RE: Dodge Diesel Terrible Fuel Mileage
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Posts: 366 Location: Albany, Oregon
Most of the Dodges I've had when you fill them the guage won't move off of full for around 125 miles......It appears to get super milage.....as I use fuel the guage drop to empty fast....poor milage.... You have to do a better test to be sure.......
Posted 2006-08-23 10:28 AM (#47209 - in reply to #47167) Subject: RE: Dodge Diesel Terrible Fuel Mileage
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Posts: 131 Location: Cheyenne, WY
The Engine Seems to have plenty of Giddy Up Go Power and No Smoke blue Or Black From The Engine. The Underneath Is Clean and Tight. It Has Not BeenThrough The Dealers Shop Yet But I Was Trying To Get A Jump On The Mechanical Shape Of The Truck To Make Sure They Don't Try To Cover Something Up.
Posted 2006-08-23 5:27 PM (#47268 - in reply to #47167) Subject: RE: Dodge Diesel Terrible Fuel Mileage
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Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
CRK, that Cummins don't got an after market fuel box hid under the hood somewhere does it? What was the factory horsepower rating on those in 2001? 235? You say it's got plenty git-up-n-go, someone may have dialed a few extra mules into the computer.
Posted 2006-08-24 6:58 AM (#47293 - in reply to #47167) Subject: RE: Dodge Diesel Terrible Fuel Mileage
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Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Do a proper fill up reset trip meter let it click off.Drive it 60 miles and back to same station fill up and click off and divide gallons in the miles.Only way to really know app.mileage.Make sure TIRE size is stock and not three sizes to big etc.
Dodge Diesel Terrible Fuel Mileage
